A new analysis reveals that some baby food manufacturers are not meeting California’s strict lead standards, which are the toughest in the nation. The findings, published by Reuters, come from newly released test results made public under a California law that took effect on January 1. The law mandates all companies selling or making baby food in the state to test their products for heavy metals, including lead, and publish the results.
The Reuters analysis of 1,757 test results from nine baby food manufacturers found that 102 exceeded California’s lead limit of 0.5 micrograms per day. Products with elevated lead levels included Beech-Nut’s organic sweet potatoes, Plum Organics’ Just Prunes, and Gerber’s 2nd Foods carrots.
While none of the tested products exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) lead limit of 2.2 micrograms per day for packaged baby food, experts warn that even lower levels of lead can pose health risks over time.
“Lead exposure adds up, creating health risks in childhood and beyond,” said Jane Houlihan, research director at Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a nonprofit focused on children’s health. “Each time a child eats contaminated food, it contributes to the problem.”
Experts are calling for stronger measures to limit lead exposure in baby food, given the cumulative impact on children’s health.
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